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E-commerce
26. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about Government proposals in respect of encryption in electronic commerce. [86522]
Mr. Wills: Encryption technology, whether used for authentication or confidentiality purposes, has a significant role to play in the emerging importance of electronic business and electronic government. I intend to give a boost to the use of these important technologies in the legislation on electronic commerce I will shortly bring before the House.
27. Mr. McWilliam: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his plans to regulate electronic commerce. [86523]
Mr. Wills: I am pleased to say our recent consultation--Building Confidence in Electronic Commerce--announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 5 March 1999, Official Report, columns 928-29, resulted in over 240 responses, from industry and other interested parties.
The Government intend to introduce legislation on electronic commerce during the current session.
17 Jun 1999 : Column: 206
28. Mr. MacShane:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on recent developments in the British steel industry. [86525]
Mr. Battle:
The UK steel industry remains one the most productive and competitive in the world.
If my hon. Friend's question refers to the recent announcement by British Steel that it intends to merge with the Dutch steel producer, Koninklijke Hoogovens, I should advise him that the proposed merger is likely to be subject to European competition rules. Given the UK's part in any competition investigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
29. Mr. St. Aubyn:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with British Aerospace on future prospects for the aircraft industry; and if he will make a statement. [86527]
Mr. Battle:
I and my officials maintain regular contact with British Aerospace and other companies involved in the aerospace and defence industries. Indeed I was happy to attend the Paris Air show earlier this week when I enjoyed constructive discussions with many of industry's key players. Our discussions cover a wide range of issues relevant to the future success of these sectors, including the need to play a leading role in international restructuring and to maintain global competitiveness.
30. Mr. Simon Hughes:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to increase the (a) export success and (b) manufacturing competitiveness of the English regions. [86528]
Mr. Wills:
The Competitiveness White Paper published last December set out 77 commitments for Government action aimed at increasing the export success and competitiveness of all businesses, including manufacturing, throughout the UK. We recognise that each region has different needs. The Regional Development Agencies have therefore been asked to identify measures in their forthcoming economic strategies which are aimed at improving business competitiveness. I have made funds available to Regional Development Agencies to address the priorities they identify. Pending the establishment of the London Development Agency next year, my Department is supporting similar work being undertaken by the London Development Partnership.
British Trade International, the new unified DTI/FCO operation for trade promotion, will place greater emphasis on effective delivery of export services in the English regions. The regional and local network, currently in Government Offices and Business Links, will be integral to the new service and under the effective control of the Chief Executive, Sir David Wright. British Trade International will work closely with the Small Business Service and Regional Development Agencies as the new trade promotion organisation takes shape.
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I have also given my backing to the CBI's "Fit for the Future" campaign which aims to help to improve business competitiveness by the adoption of "best practice" techniques.
31. Mr. Cotter:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in implementing the Small Business Service. [86529]
Mr. Wills:
The Government announced their plans to set up the Small Business Service in the Budget statement. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry reinforced this in his statement to the House on 10 March, 1999, Official Report, columns 367-69.
We will be publishing a consultation document shortly on the specific role and functions of the Small Business Service. I will be welcoming views from all interested parties.
Mr. Hoyle:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made with his inquiry into UK car prices. [86496]
Dr. Howells:
The Director General of Fair Trading referred the market for new cars to the Competition Commission on 17 March this year. The conduct of the inquiry is entirely a matter for the Commission. The Commission is due to report on 16 December; the Government await its conclusions with interest.
Mr. Redwood:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which companies the Minister for Science visited during his most recent visit to the USA; and what was discussed. [87034]
Mr. Battle:
My noble Friend, Lord Sainsbury, visited Boston on 8-10 June as part of a fact-finding mission to examine the growth of biotechnology clusters and how Britain can improve its competitive position.
Details of all the organisations visited by my noble Friend and the accompanying team of leading business people and academics were set out in a DTI Press Notice of 8 June (P/99/45) which was sent to the right hon. Member. A copy of the DTI Press Notice was also provided automatically to the Library of the House.
Mr. Randall:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial assistance his Department has given to the Welding Institute in relation to research into lead-free solders. [87268]
Mr. Battle:
The Department has no record of recent support having been given to the Welding Institute, TWI as it is now known, to carry out such research but in the past my Department has given considerable support to TWI for research work in many areas.
Mr. Randall:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to aid the
17 Jun 1999 : Column: 208
International Tin Research Institute in its development of (a) the use of tin as an alternative to lead-based products and (b) lead-free solders. [87267]
Mr. Battle:
My Department has no current plans to provide assistance to the International Tin research institute to develop either the use of tin as an alternative to lead-based products or lead-free solders. There is no sound scientific evidence, or comprehensive analysis, that clearly shows a need to replace uses of lead with tin but I am aware there are some environmental concerns about the continuing use of lead-based solders in electrical and electronic equipment.
Mr. Rendel:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of public sector employees who may be eligible for compensation because of the delay in implementing the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations. [87279]
Mr. Ian McCartney:
This will depend on how many people can show that they suffered damage as a result of the breach of the Directive. Legal action was brought on behalf of 1,473 people. However, no statement has yet been made of any damage caused to any of them, or the circumstances in which it may have been caused, which could lead to a decision on whether they are due compensation.
Mr. Sayeed:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he plans to take to reduce the administrative burdens placed on manufacturing industry. [86910]
Mr. Battle:
Earlier this month my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a number of new measures to reduce burdens on business, including the manufacturing sectors. These measures include consultation on raising the audit threshold for companies and new guidance on the Working Time Regulations which will make it clear that for the vast majority of British businesses, existing documentation and systems already meet the record-keeping requirements. They are part of our ongoing effort to reduce burdens on business.
Mr. Anthony D. Wright:
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for providing the payroll service for small employers, announced at the time of the Budget. [87668]
Mr. Wills:
I have today published a consultation paper, 'Developing a Payroll Service for Small Businesses', which sets out our proposals for a new service to help small employers get to grips with running a payroll. Comments are being sought from a number of interested parties and the closing date for responses is Tuesday 7 September.
Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
17 Jun 1999 : Column: 209
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